According to FOX's Jay Glazer, the Raiders anticipated a 2-4 week absence when Darren McFadden went down with a high-ankle sprain in Week 9.

In other words, they've been lying. Coach Dennis Allen refused to publicly rule McFadden out for Week 10 until last Friday, and has avoided providing any sort of a concrete timetable. Glazer's reported timeline is the norm for high-ankle sprains, however, and finally gives us a better idea of when to expect McFadden back. He can be safely ruled out for Week 11, and should be considered doubtful for Week 12. Marcel Reece will be the lead dog in Oakland's backfield against the Saints.

Marcel Reece, FB, Oakland RaidersIn a week when not many offensive reserves shined, Marcel Reece gave the Raiders one of the few consistent performances they’ve had from a running back this season. Darren McFadden is no stranger to injuries, but even when healthy he’s been exceptionally bad. His -14.3 grade is a league-low for running backs, and his 3.3 yards per rush is the worst among halfbacks with over 100 carries. When backup Mike Goodson also fell to injury in Week 9, Reece showcased his receiving skills with eight catches for 95 yards and a touchdown. Reece again proved dangerous coming out of the backfield against the Baltimore Ravens, catching seven of his eight targets for 56 yards, the second-highest total among running backs this week. He also carried the ball 13 times for 48 yards, with 32 of them coming after contact.

Survive or Succumb? Oakland’s rushing attack is limited without McFadden and Goodson, but Reece’s receiving skills have kept the chains moving for Oakland.

Raiders running back Darrren McFadden was at the facility at 6 a.m. on Thursday rehabbing his high ankle sprain. Then, coach Dennis Allen said, McFadden ran around with trainers on the side.

Backup running back Mike Goodson, who also has a high ankle sprain, is not able to start running yet. Both running backs are essentially out for Sunday’s game, but Allen won’t make that official until Friday. Marcel Reece will start.

Allen said safety Tyvon Branch’s neck injury is a concern. He and WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (hamstring) need to practice Friday to show they’re up to playing Sunday.

Fourth-year veteran Mike Mitchell would step in for Branch. “(Mitchell) is a passionate player,” Allen said. “He needs to slow his heartbeat down” and has started to play more under control.

Safety Matt Giordano returned to practice after leaving last week’s game with a concussion.

There were no real surprises for the Raiders at the start of practice Friday as five players who sat out Thursday were not practicing again two days before Oakland plays host to New Orleans.Running backs Darren McFadden (ankle) and Mike Goodson (ankle), defensive tackle Richard Seymour (knee/hamstring) and strong safety Tyvon Branch (neck) were not on the field during the open media window portion of practice.

Plus, receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, who strained a hamstring on Wednesday, was an observer.

The official game status of each player will be announced by coach Dennis Allen following practice.